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Multiplicom Launches Three New Mutation Detection Kits To Enable The Implementation Of Personalized Cancer Treatment

EGFR is frequently hyperactive in a number of cancers, including lung cancer, anal cancers and glioblastoma. Drugs such as Iressa (gefitinib) and Tarceva (erlotinib) directly target EGFR, but are only found to be effective in the absence of certain mutations that can be identified using the EGFR MASTR kit.

In approximately 80% of GISTs, mutations in the cKIT gene contribute to the growth of the tumor cells. Among tumors that lack a cKIT mutation, some have mutations in a closely related gene called PDGFRA (about 5-7% of all GISTs). Knowledge of the exact type and location of a mutation in the KIT or PDGFRA gene, using the GIST MASTR kit, can be used to predict the likelihood that the tumor will respond to treatment with Gleevec (imatinib).

The Somatic 1 MASTR detects mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF, genes that are part of the RAS-RAF-MAPK signal transduction pathway downstream from EGFR. Wild-type KRAS, wild-type BRAF and NRAS are required for response to anti-EGFR therapy making mutation analysis of all three genes useful.

About Multiplicom

Multiplicom NV is a Belgian biotech company focused on human molecular diagnostics. The company produces molecular diagnostic kits that enable clinical laboratories to perform affordable testing for personalized medicine. The Company was created in 2011 as a spin-off by the University of
Antwerp and VIB. Multiplicom develops, manufactures and commercializes leading-edge and easy-to-use genetic test kits based on the latest molecular diagnostic technologies. The successful introduction of its kits in medical genetics labs proves they are the solution to an increasing demand for nucleic acid based testing that is driven by the scientific evidence that links genetic information to health and disease. In
April 2011 Gimv, Gimv managed Biotechfonds Vlaanderen, VIB and UA invested a total of
2 million Euro in the series A financing. In
February 2013, Multiplicom closed its series B financing raising
5.5 million Euro from a consortium composed of the series A and new investors (PMV, RMM and Qbic ARKIV Fund) to expedite development of additional diagnostic tests, fund international validation studies and expand sales channels.